Thomas's take: "Mismanagement is undoing the [Balanced Budget Act] and taking money out of the pockets of our nation's seniors and disabled citizens." According to Thomas, lost savings to seniors could reach $570 million if copayment corrections are delayed until April 2000.

DeParle's defense: "Beneficiaries will see only a temporary impact from the necessary delay."

Physicians, too, are affected by all of this, but DeParle cautions that they should not be alarmed. Yes, she says, the Year 2000 glitch has put the copayment correction change on hold. However, payments will be adjusted retroactively beginning in April 2000 — so eventually, physicians will get everything they are owed.

Thomas is still unhappy. No doubt, we haven't seen the end to this little brouhaha.

Managed Care's Prospects in the Health Reform Era

Princeton’s Uwe Reinhardt, PhD, renowned health care economist, sits down with Managing Editor Frank Diamond to discuss the economic effects of the Affordable Care Act, wellness programs, and the state of health care in the United States in general.